The Joust of the Saracen, or “Giostra del Saracino” in Italian, is a traditional medieval tournament that takes place in the beautiful Tuscan town of Arezzo, located in central Italy.
This event has been celebrated for centuries and is one of the most important cultural events in the region.
The origins of the Joust of the Saracen can be traced back to the 16th century, when the people of Arezzo decided to organize a tournament to commemorate the victory of the city over the Saracen invaders in the 14th century. The tournament quickly became a tradition, and it has been celebrated every year since then, except for a brief interruption during World War II.
The tournament is held twice a year, on the last Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September, and it involves four teams representing the four quarters of the city: Porta del Foro, Porta del Borgo, Porta Sant’Andrea, and Porta Crucifera. Each team is composed of a horseman, or “cavaliere,” and a squire, or “scudiero.”
The tournament takes place in the Piazza Grande, which is the main square of Arezzo and one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.
The square is transformed into a medieval arena, with stands for the spectators and a wooden statue of a Saracen warrior mounted on a rotating mechanism.
The tournament consists of two rounds, with each team taking turns to joust at the Saracen. The horseman must gallop down a track and try to hit the rotating statue with a lance, while the squire holds the horse and helps the horseman aim the lance. The goal is to hit the target as accurately as possible, with points being awarded for hitting different parts of the statue.
The Joust of the Saracen is not just a tournament, but also a celebration of the history and traditions of Arezzo. The streets of the city are decorated with flags and banners, and there are parades, processions, and concerts throughout the week leading up to the tournament. The atmosphere is festive and joyful, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the food, wine, and music of the region.
The Joust of the Saracen is not only a spectacle, but also a way of preserving the cultural heritage of Arezzo in Tuscany. The tournament has survived for centuries, thanks to the dedication and passion of the people of the city, who continue to pass down the tradition from generation to generation. The Joust of the Saracen is a unique and unforgettable experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting Tuscany.
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